New Technology Could Reinvent Rubber Recycling Industry

Israeli company Levgum, Ltd., has invented and patented a unique new rubber devulcanization technology that the company says can change the global rubber recycling industry.

The process breaks down sulfur links across polymer chains in vulcanized rubber allowing the rubber to be used again. This technology, which Levgum states does not emit any waste products or hazardous gases, can enable tire companies and other producers of rubber products to recapture a large part of their excess rubber. In fact, this process maintains 80 percent of the rubber’s original properties, costs less than other processes and could result in millions of dollars of savings annually to large producers of rubber products while helping them become “green” and environmentally “friendly.”

Softstone, Inc., an Ardmore, Oklahoma-based company whose primary business has been the recycling of rubber, has purchased exclusive rights to the Western Hemisphere for Levgum’s devulcanization technology, including the right to sub-license the technology.

“The technology that they have developed is by far the most superior in the industry,” stated Keith Boyd, president of Softstone.

After extensive and successful testing of Levgum’s devulcanization process by Akron Rubber Development Laboratory, Inc., Softstone invested in the Levgum process and now holds 10% of company shares.

Softstone is already negotiating with several major rubber-product manufacturers that have asked to be involved in blending the Levgum devulcanized rubber with virgin and synthetic rubber material to form existing products. This technology would give these manufacturers the ability to recycle up to 100 percent of their waste, thereby saving significant costs on disposal fees and raw material replacement.

Boyd and Levgum CEO Yony Weiss agree, “The environment could receive the greatest benefit of all, drastically reducing the amount of solid waste generated by those in the manufacturing of rubber products. Both Levgum and Softstone are sharing a part in healing the earth.”

Levgum has signed licensing agreements with two companies in India, and negotiations are underway with companies in England, Australia and Brazil.